Moving houses is stressful. Packing boxes, endless paperwork, and trying not to lose your mind in the chaos—fun times, right? Now imagine explaining all of this to your dog, who thinks the world is ending because their bed moved six inches to the left.
When I moved with Charlie, my overly dramatic Golden Retriever, I thought he’d be fine. Turns out, he thought we were abandoning him in a cardboard jungle. He sat in his crate, giving me the most betrayed look—as if I had personally ruined his life. But after some treats, belly rubs, and a grand tour of the new backyard (aka, sniffing every single bush), he realized maybe this new house wasn’t so bad after all.
So, if you’re gearing up for Operation: Move with a Dog, here’s how to make it as stress-free as possible—for both of you.
1. Before the Big Move 📦
Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity, so the key is slowly easing them into the idea of a new home.
🏡 Take Them on a Sneak Peek Mission
If possible, bring your dog to the new house before moving day. Let them explore, sniff around, and mark their future kingdom (a polite way of saying “pee on the fence”).
🕰️ Keep Life as Normal as Possible
- Stick to the usual walk times, meal times, and snuggle sessions.
- Don’t start packing everything at once—seeing their favorite things disappear overnight can stress them out.
- Leave their bed, toys, and bowls untouched until the last minute.
📌 Update Their Info
- New house, new address! Update their ID tag and microchip info so if they go on an unexpected “adventure” in the new neighborhood, they can be found.
- If moving far, find a new vet in advance (because emergencies never wait for good timing).
🐾 Reality Check:
- Dogs do not understand moving—to them, it’s just “Why is my couch missing?!”
- Some dogs might act clingy or anxious—extra treats and belly rubs help a lot.
2. Moving Day Chaos 🚚
Moving day is pure chaos—boxes everywhere, strangers hauling furniture, doors wide open. This is prime “I’m going on an unapproved solo adventure” time for dogs.
🐶 Keep Them Safe & Calm
✔ Best option? Have a friend or pet sitter watch them for the day.
✔ If they must stay with you, set up a safe room with their bed, food, and toys.
✔ Crate-trained? A crate can make them feel secure in the middle of the madness.
🎒 Pack a Doggie Essentials Bag
- Food & water bowls (because they WILL get hungry at the worst moment)
- Leash & poop bags (because nature waits for no one)
- Favorite toy or blanket (instant comfort zone)
- Any meds they need
🐾 Reality Check:
- Dogs don’t understand why furniture magically vanishes into a truck. Reassure them often.
- If they try to “help” with packing, expect a few missing socks.
3. First Steps in the New House 🏠
Congratulations, you survived moving day! Now, it’s time to make your dog feel at home.
🐾 Set Up Their Space First
Before unpacking anything else, set up their bed, toys, and food bowls in a quiet spot. Familiar smells = instant comfort.
🚶♂️ Give Them a Grand Tour
- Walk them through the house, room by room.
- Show them where their things are, especially their food and water (the VIP areas).
- Let them sniff everything—walls, floors, even the random squeaky floorboard.
🌳 Introduce the Yard & Neighborhood
- Walk them around the backyard and new walking routes.
- If you have a fence, double-check for escape routes—because some dogs see new homes as new challenges.
🐾 Reality Check:
- Some dogs settle in instantly; others take days or even weeks to adjust.
- They might act weird at first—whining, pacing, even refusing to eat (don’t worry, they’ll adjust).
4. New Routines, Same Love 🕰️❤️
Dogs LOVE routines. Once you establish one in the new house, they’ll feel secure and settled.
📌 Stick to a Schedule
- Feed them at the same time as before.
- Walk them at the usual hours.
- Keep bedtime consistent (yes, even if they sleep on your bed now).
🐕 Help Them Adjust Emotionally
- Spend extra quality time with them. Moving is overwhelming for them too.
- Give extra playtime, belly rubs, and reassurance that this is home now.
- If they seem anxious, consider calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps.
🐾 Reality Check:
- Your dog may follow you everywhere in the first few days (even to the bathroom). It’s just their way of checking everything is okay.
5. Introducing Neighbors & New Pets 🐾
If you have new neighbors, dogs, or other pets, introductions should be slow and controlled.
🐶 Meeting Neighbor Dogs
- Start with on-leash greetings in a neutral area (avoid the “this is MY yard” debate).
- Watch their body language—curious sniffing = good, growling = slow down.
🐱 If You Have Other Pets
- Keep initial introductions short & supervised.
- Use barriers like baby gates to create safe spaces for both pets.
🐾 Reality Check:
- Some dogs make friends instantly; others need a few weeks to adjust. Go slow!
6. Final Thoughts: Give It Time ⏳🐕
Adjusting to a new home doesn’t happen overnight—for humans or dogs.
- Some dogs settle in immediately (lucky you!).
- Others might take weeks to feel fully comfortable (extra belly rubs required).
- Patience, routine, and lots of treats will help your pup feel at home.
💬 Have you moved with a dog before? What worked best for you? Share your experiences below! 🐾🏡✨